Chávez's Appointed Heir Prepares for Battle

A Loyalist to the Ailing Leader, Maduro Faces Factional Infighting Amid Campaign to Win the Hearts of Venezuelans

By

Kejal Vyas

Updated Jan. 6, 2013 4:13 p.m. ET

CARACAS—Venezuelan Vice President Nicolás Maduro, ailing President Hugo Chávez's chosen successor, has many of the qualities needed to carry on the so-called Bolivarian Revolution: working-class credentials, experience with foreign governments, and a companion who is also a top Chávez ally.

Critics, however, say the onetime bus driver, with a high-school level education could struggle to control often feuding factions within Mr. Chávez's political movement. They don't expect he will match the charisma that has gained the...